Seven outcast kids band together against a vicious monster in
the form of a terrifying clown that's killing children in their town. HORROR
|
It (2017)Directed by Andy Muschietti
Written by Chase Palmer, Cary Fukunaga, Gary Dauberman Starring Bill Skarsgård, Jaeden Lieberher, Jeremy Ray Taylor, Sophia Lillis, Finn Wolfhard, Chosen Jacobs, Jack Dylan Grazer, Wyatt Oleff, Nicholas Hamilton, Jackson Robert Scott Remake of 1990's It Based on the novel by Stephen King |
The hype for this movie was through the roof, unlike anything I'd ever seen for a horror movie, particularly a remake. After being stuck in production hell for sometime, changing directors, and switching out the actor portraying Pennywise, It finally arrived to make the world terrified of clowns once more. With The Dark Tower being such a massive disappointment and the upcoming Gerald's Game being more of a psychological thriller, It became the Stephen King movie that had to prove to everybody that King's work could still be adapted faithfully into a scary movie. In that respect, It passed with flying colors, delivering one of the most terrifying and unforgettable films of the year.
This film covers the first half of King's gargantuan novel, dealing with the main characters' first fight with Pennywise when they were children. The seven child actors who make up the Losers' Club are perfectly cast. Their chemistry is believable and each one stands out, never blending into the scenery to be just another background character. Then, there's Bill Skarsgård's unbelievable turn as Pennywise the Dancing Clown. After Tim Curry first brought the character to life in 1990, it was clear to everyone that Skarsgård had some enormous floppy shoes to fill. He dominates the entire film with his disturbing and monstrous depiction of what is arguably King's scariest creation. He differs from Curry's Pennywise in every way, seeming less like Bozo the Clown and more like John Wayne Gacy. Without him, I doubt this film would've been as scary as it was. I respect Andy Muschietti for sticking to the source material and upping the fear factor to bring King adaptations back into the spotlight. His decision to split the book in two is just what the story needed, and this film will no doubt make him one of the most sought-after horror directors working today. This film was every bit as creepy and unnerving as I'd hoped it would be, and eclipses the 1990 miniseries in every way. I can't wait for the next chapter. Here's hoping there's more clown and less giant spider. |